Honest Abe Gets a Makeover
Get an eyeful of Honest Abe’s makeover.
The new $5 bill, which was unveiled last September, will be issued beginning tomorrow. Among the new and improved features is a large, purple numeral 5 in the lower right corner, which will not only make it harder to counterfeit, but also easier for the visually impaired to see. And given the size of the rapidly-aging baby boomer demographic, that’s a move I heartily endorse.
Five dollar bills–in this era of rising gasoline prices, may we all have more of them.
3 Comments
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Licia
Long-time lurker, first-time commenter.
I think it’s great the U.S. is making changes to the currency that will benefit the visually impaired. The euro was designed with that thought in mind (I currently live in Germany), and sometimes it’s even helpful for those of us with average sight. The paper bills are different colors and sizes depending on denomination (the larger the bill, the more it’s worth), and all the coins are different sizes and have different edges so they can be differentiated by touch. Pretty practical, huh?
Mike the Eyeguy
Licia, I am so glad that you are no longer “Licia the Lurker!” Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment today.
Yes, even average sighted persons, under low light conditions or in low contrast situations, can benefit from a little visual and tactile aid now and then. Leave it to the Europeans to keep ergonomics in mind when thinking about their economics. They’ve always had an eye for that sort of thing.
mmlace
I saw a new $5 bill today.
Just one of the benefits of working at a credit union.
I think the general consensus is that they are ugly…
I’m just not a big fan of the pink-ish purple tint that’s on the bill…but only in the middle of the bill.
Other than that, though, neat security features, and (since purple is my favorite color) I am a fan of the ginormous purple ‘5’ on the back.